Glasgow, Scotland – The sounds of rousing cheers echoed through the arena on October 21st as the 2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals took center stage. This event brought together 12 strongmen, each powerful and skilled in his own right. Yet, for the throngs of spectators present, their gaze and support were unmistakably fixated on the native duo, the Stoltman brothers.
In what felt like a modern-day David versus Goliath tale, Tom Stoltman emerged as the hero of the hour. The younger of the Stoltman siblings, Tom has long been a favorite in the strongman circles. But on this particular day, in front of a roaring home crowd, he displayed a performance that many in attendance described as nothing short of mythical.
The Immensity of Tom
From the moment he stepped into the arena, Tom’s presence was palpable. Towering, with a physique that seemed to have been sculpted by the gods, he exuded a confidence that communicated his intentions clear — he was here to conquer. Each muscle ripple and the assuredness in his stride were testaments to months of rigorous training and a steely determination.
Sweeping the Field
The competition was a five-event behemoth, challenging each contender’s strength, endurance, and agility. Yet, it seemed as though Tom had come prepared for just this day. Out of the five events, he claimed victory in three, an impressive feat in such a high-stakes contest. Even in the two events he didn’t win, Tom was not to be overshadowed, placing in the top five.
A Triumphant Finish
When the dust settled and the scores tallied, Tom Stoltman’s name stood tall with a whopping 54.5 points out of a possible 60. It was a victory not just for Tom but for every member of the audience who had cheered him on, for every young aspirant who saw in him the embodiment of hard work and passion, and for Scotland, that had birthed a true champion.
As the crowd slowly trickled out of the arena, the atmosphere was thick with jubilation and respect. Tom Stoltman hadn’t just won a competition; he had etched his name into the annals of strongman history.
2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals Official Results
- Tom Stoltman — 54.5 points
- Mathew Ragg — 51.5 points
- Mitchell Hooper — 46 points
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 42.5 points
- Luke Stoltman — 40.5 points
- Gavin Bilton — 34 points
- Ondřej Fojtů — 27.5 points
- Tyler Cotton — 22 points
- Pa O’Dwyer — 22 points
- Eddie Williams — 21 points
- Conor Curran — 16.5 points
- Evans Aryee — 6 points (Withdrew after second event)
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Event 1: Max Log Lift
As the arena’s lights focused on the stage, the first event of the 2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals set the tone for a night of strength, grit, and sheer determination. The Max Log Lift, a cornerstone event in strongman competitions, gauges an athlete’s raw power. A test of fortitude, this event sees participants lifting ever-increasing weights, pushing their limits with each subsequent lift.
Stoltman’s Astounding Prowess
Tom Stoltman’s reputation has always been synonymous with formidable shoulder strength. However, on this day, he elevated that reputation to a near-legendary status. Stoltman took to the platform with a singular focus and astounded everyone by achieving what no other competitor could: he overhead pressed an impressive 210-kilogram (463-pound) log. This Herculean effort not only awarded him maximum points but also placed him a considerable 2.5 points ahead of his closest rivals, laying down a marker for the rest of the competition.
A Close Chase Behind
While Stoltman’s performance was undoubtedly the highlight, the event had its share of commendable feats. Athletes like Hooper, Kordiyaka, Luke Stoltman (Tom’s older brother), and Cotton showcased commendable strength, each managing to lock out a 200-kilogram (440.9-pound) log. However, their attempts to press a heavier log were unsuccessful. Their tie at this weight meant the points were split evenly amongst them, with each athlete taking home 9.5 points.
A Record-Breaking Aside
The audience was treated to an additional spectacle when Cheick “Iron Biby” Sanou took to the stage. Not participating in the overall competition, Sanou had one aim and one aim only: to set a new Log Lift World Record. And he did not disappoint. With immense strength and technique, he successfully locked out a colossal 230-kilogram (507.1-pound) log, setting a new world record. Though his achievement was outside the competition’s purview, it added an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings.
In all, the Max Log Lift set a thrilling precedent for the rest of the 2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals, hinting at more jaw-dropping moments to come.
- Tom Stoltman — 210 kilograms
- Mitchell Hooper — 200 kilograms
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 200 kilograms
- Luke Stoltman — 200 kilograms
- Tyler Cotton — 200 kilograms
- Mathew Ragg — 186 kilograms
- Ondřej Fojtů — 186 kilograms
- Gavin Bilton — 170 kilograms
- Eddie Williams — 170 kilograms
- Evans Aryee — 170 kilograms
- Pa O’Dwyer — No Lift
- Conor Curran — No Lift
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Event 2: Sandbag Steeplechase
The energy in the arena was palpable as the strongmen prepared for their next challenge: the Sandbag Steeplechase. This event, having grown in popularity in recent Giants Live competitions, melds raw strength with agility and speed in a riveting spectacle.
The Herculean Task
Athletes faced the daunting task of hoisting two colossal 150-kilogram (330.7-pound) sandbags, hurling them over a pole, then navigating around it to pick up and load these behemoths onto a platform. This seemingly Sisyphean task demanded more than just brute strength; the champions would be those who combined power with strategy and speed.
Stoltman’s Sprint to Victory
Enter Tom Stoltman. Already riding high on his log lift victory, the crowd witnessed this behemoth, with more bulk than ever, showcase an unexpected swiftness. Darting across the course, Stoltman made short work of the challenge, clocking an impressive 29.92 seconds. This feat meant Tom notched up his second win of the day, pushing his points advantage even further ahead.
The Challengers
Close on Stoltman’s heels was Pavlo Kordiyaka, the reigning 2023 Europe’s Strongest Man. With a lightning-fast performance, Kordiyaka finished just half a second behind Stoltman, firmly securing second place.
Then came Mathew Ragg, a strongman whose progress has been a talking point in recent competitions. With a time of 31.41 seconds, Ragg not only demonstrated his growing prowess in the sport but also made the daunting sandbags appear almost weightless.
The Sandbag Steeplechase solidified its reputation as a crowd-pleaser, delivering drama, suspense, and showcasing the multidimensional skills required of modern strongmen. As the event concluded, anticipation grew for what was to come next.
- Tom Stoltman — 29.92 s
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 30.48 s
- Mathew Ragg — 31.41 s
- Luke Stoltman — 33.62 s
- Ondřej Fojtů — 34.44 s
- Mitchell Hooper — 34.63 s
- Conor Curran — 35.30 s
- Gavin Bilton — 36.81 s
- Pa O’Dwyer — 36.84 s
- Tyler Cotton — 37.76 s
- Evans Aryee — 38.22 s
- Eddie Williams — 42.16 s
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Event 3: Deadlift
As the 2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals progressed, anticipation was rife for the third event: the classic deadlift. While the deadlift itself is iconic in strongman competitions, this iteration came with a unique twist that would test the mettle of these titans.
The Challenge of the Axle Barbell
The athletes were pitted against a staggering 350 kilograms (771.6 pounds) weight. Yet, it wasn’t the sheer poundage that raised eyebrows, but the apparatus itself. The weight was loaded onto an axle barbell – renowned in strength circles for its thicker diameter and unwieldy nature compared to standard barbells. This seemingly small change significantly alters the dynamics of the lift, demanding not just strength but a nuanced grip and technique.
Ragg’s Rise to Prominence
The spotlight shone brightest on New Zealand’s Mathew Ragg, who was quickly becoming the talk of the competition. Delivering a masterclass in deadlifting, Ragg powered through to lock out an astounding eight repetitions. In an arena that housed some of the world’s best deadlifters, Ragg’s performance was nothing short of sensational, securing him top honors in the event.
Champions Go Head-to-Head
While Ragg’s moment in the limelight was undisputed, a fierce battle unfolded for the subsequent spots. World’s Strongest Man winners, Tom Stoltman and Mitchell Hooper, showcased their pedigree by each lifting the 350-kilogram (771.6 pounds) weight for seven repetitions. Their tied performance only added to the suspense of an already electric competition.
The deadlift event underscored the essence of strongman challenges – a blend of raw strength, technique, and the ability to adapt to unique conditions. With this event in the books, the world waited with bated breath for the next challenge in the lineup.
- Mathew Ragg — 8 reps
- Tom Stoltman — 7 reps
- Mitchell Hooper — 7 reps
- Gavin Bilton — 5 reps
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 4 reps
- Luke Stoltman — 4 reps
- Ondřej Fojtů — 4 reps
- Pa O’Dwyer — 4 reps
- Eddie Williams — 4 reps
- Tyler Cotton — 3 reps
- Conor Curran — 3 reps
- Evans Aryee — Withdrew
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Event 4: Conan’s Wheel
Strongman competitions are renowned not just for feats of strength but for challenging the very limits of human endurance. The fourth event at the 2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals, Conan’s Wheel, was a visceral reminder of that fact.
The Brutal Mechanics of Conan’s Wheel
For those unfamiliar, Conan’s Wheel might sound simplistic. Athletes must pick up a metal beam attached to a central pivot point and whirl it around as far as they can, holding on until their strength, or will, gives out. But this event is as much a mental challenge as a physical one, a true test of pain tolerance and sheer determination.
Ragg Emerges as the Titan of Tolerance
It was evident that Mathew Ragg had emerged as a formidable force in this competition. Showcasing an extraordinary blend of strength and resolve, Ragg managed to spin the beam an astonishing 845 degrees. To put that in perspective, he navigated the beam through more than two full circles before his drop.
Hooper’s Valiant Effort
Mitchell Hooper’s prowess was on full display. Pushing himself to the brink, Hooper gave a performance that was almost on par with Ragg’s, culminating at 841 degrees, a mere 4 degrees short. The slight difference between the two made for a riveting watch, as both athletes showcased their mettle in this grueling challenge.
Kordiyaka’s Lonesome Battle
Pavlo Kordiyaka, despite a commendable effort of 820 degrees, found himself in an awkward position. His performance was clearly superior to many of the other competitors, but it didn’t quite match the heights reached by Ragg and Hooper. Thus, he occupied a somewhat isolated third place.
The Conan’s Wheel was a brutal testament to the combination of power, endurance, and willpower that defines strongman events. As the athletes recuperated, the stage was set for the final showdown.
- Mathew Ragg — 845 °
- Mitchell Hooper — 841 °
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 820 °
- Pa O’Dwyer — 756 °
- Tom Stoltman — 618 °
- Gavin Bilton — 608 °
- Luke Stoltman — 562 °
- Ondřej Fojtů — 553 °
- Conor Curran — 506 °
- Eddie Williams — 471 °
- Tyler Cotton — 425 °
Event 5: Castle Stones
As the final event of the 2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals, the Castle Stones challenge is a quintessential strongman event that captures both the spirit and the essence of the competition. It’s a test of raw strength, endurance, technique, and speed, as competitors grapple with a series of increasingly heavy round stones.
The Task at Hand
The athletes were faced with the formidable challenge of lifting and loading five spherical behemoths, ranging in weight from 120 kilograms (264.6 pounds) to a massive 200 kilograms (440.9 pounds), onto elevated platforms. Speed was of the essence, and the swiftest to load all stones would claim the victory.
Tom Stoltman: The Unquestioned Monarch of Stones
Tom Stoltman’s unparalleled expertise in the Castle/Atlas Stones events is legendary. Having clinched victory in this specific challenge on six prior occasions, the expectations on him were high. Yet, as if immune to pressure, Tom delivered spectacularly, blitzing through the challenge and loading all stones in a mind-boggling 19.23 seconds. It wasn’t just a win; it was a masterclass.
Ragg’s Consistent Brilliance
Mathew Ragg, whose performances had consistently dazzled throughout the competition, once again showcased his prowess. Although trailing Tom, Ragg’s speed was commendable, finishing the task just under ten seconds slower than the leader. This achievement solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with in the strongman community.
A Sibling Show of Strength
Luke Stoltman, Tom’s older brother and the esteemed 2021 Europe’s Strongest Man, added another feather to the Stoltman family’s cap by clinching third place. Clocking in at 37.56 seconds for all five stones, he narrowly edged out Gavin Bilton, marking a fitting conclusion to an exhilarating event.
The Castle Stones, a blend of tradition and power, served as a dramatic climax to the 2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals, immortalizing moments of unparalleled strength and sheer willpower.
- Tom Stoltman — 5 in 19.23 s
- Mathew Ragg — 5 in 28.81 s
- Luke Stoltman — 5 in 37.56 s
- Gavin Bilton — 5 stones in 41.64 s
- Mitchell Hooper — 4 in 19.32 s
- Eddie Williams — 4 stones in 23.71 s
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 4 in 25.94 s
- Tyler Cotton — 4 stones in 29.13 s
- Pa O’Dwyer — 4 stones in 50.11 s
- Ondřej Fojtů — 3 stones in 42.16 s
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Tom Stoltman: From World Champion to Reigniting International Dominance
It’s been a roller-coaster journey for Scotland’s strongman sensation, Tom Stoltman. The echoes of his triumphant roar from his 2022 World’s Strongest Man victory still resonate, yet a full year had passed without him clinching another international title. But champions, as they say, wait for their moments.
A Year of Patience and Perseverance
The year-long wait for an international title is not indicative of a drop in performance or commitment. In fact, for athletes like Tom, such periods often serve as the crucible in which their determination and resolve are tested. With three international titles from 25 appearances, Tom’s record might suggest sporadic victories. But numbers often don’t narrate the full story. Every competition, irrespective of the final standing, is a treasure trove of experiences, learnings, and adjustments.
Beyond the World Stage
While the World’s Strongest Man competition is undoubtedly the pinnacle of strongman contests, focusing solely on such flagship events might obscure an athlete’s broader ambitions. Tom’s strategy seems to be evolving. He isn’t just setting his sights on the world stage but is keen to leave an indelible mark in various other competitions, both national and international.
With two national wins in nine appearances, Tom has demonstrated his prowess closer to home. These victories, coupled with his international appearances, indicate a more rounded athlete eager to showcase his might across diverse platforms.
A Promising Horizon
What does the future hold for Tom Stoltman? Given his recent shift in focus, it’s clear that he’s gunning for more than just the major titles. He’s on a quest to establish a legacy, to be remembered not just as a world champion but as a consistent force in the strongman realm.
As fans and followers of the sport, we can expect to witness more of Tom’s sheer power, indomitable spirit, and captivating performances. The stage is set, and Tom Stoltman is more than ready to rise, conquer, and repeat.
Overview
At the 2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals in Glasgow, Scotland, Tom Stoltman delivered a commanding performance, winning three out of five events. Competing against 12 strongmen, Tom stood out, particularly with his home crowd’s overwhelming support. Ending with an impressive 54.5 points out of 60, Tom reaffirmed his prowess in the strongman arena. While he showcased sheer dominance in specific events, the competition also spotlighted rising talents like Mathew Ragg. However, the day belonged to Tom, who not only clinched the title but also revived his international dominance, signaling a promising future in the sport.
Featured Image @giantslivestrongman (Instagram)
